How to Eat Local in the Winter

Right now is the peak of summer produce! Eating locally and in season is easy this time of year, but when the colder months roll in it can get a little more difficult. Planning while most foods are at their peak will make it much easier to enjoy them all year. There is a notion that it is impossible to eat locally in the winter- but that isn’t true! Here are some tips for eating local produce all year round.

1. Winter farmers’ markets!

Seacoast Eat Local puts on two amazing farmers’ markets in the winter. There is one in Exeter and one in Rollinsford. These markets run from November to April and feature so many different vendors. There is produce, meat, eggs, bread, prepared food, and much more! These could be the perfect places to pick up food for all of your holiday meals.

2. Winter CSA shares

Many farms now offer winter CSA shares that run from October-March. Greenhouses and special growing practices make it possible to get all kinds of local fresh produce during the winter. Check out your local farms to see who offers winter CSAs.

3. Preserve your summer produce

In a previous post, I explained how to preserve produce. This is a great method if you find yourself with too much fruits and veggies right now, but know that you would greatly enjoy them in the off-season. Freezing, canning, and drying can make it easy to enjoy your favorite fruits and veggies at peak ripeness all year round.

Our Mission

Seacoast Eat Local connects people with sources of locally grown foods and advocates eating locally for the health of our environment, community, culture and economy. Through advocacy, organizing and education, we work toward a sustainable local food system that meets the needs of both producers and consumers.